Underworld kingpin Mokbel avoids a return to prison

Underworld Kingpin Mokbel Avoids Return to Prison

Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel has been sentenced to time already served after losing a bid to have one of his convictions overturned.

Background of the Case

Tony Mokbel, 60, will not have to serve additional time for trafficking 41kg of methamphetamine while evading capture. After the Victorian Court of Appeal's ruling on Thursday, Mokbel looked relieved and shared a kiss with his girlfriend.

Legal Proceedings

Mokbel initially sought to have his 2006 conviction quashed, alleging that barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo compromised his case. However, in October, the court rejected his appeal on the drug-trafficking charge related to the police operation named Magnum.

Resentencing Details

The conviction was upheld, and Justices Stephen McLeish, Maree Kennedy, and Stephen Kaye re-sentenced Mokbel to 13 years, seven months, and 15 days in jail—a period he has already served.

“While the offending was serious and flagrant, Mokbel's unusual circumstances warranted the more modest sentence,” said Justice McLeish.

Offense Summary

Between July 2006 and June 2007, Mokbel trafficked over 41 kilograms of methamphetamine, generating around $4 million in revenue. He committed these crimes while on the run for other charges, hiding in regional Victoria and Greece.

Previous Legal History

Mokbel was arrested and extradited to Melbourne in 2008.
He pleaded guilty in 2011 to the Magnum offense and two additional drug charges.
In early 2025, he successfully appealed the other two convictions known as Quills and Orbital.

Author's Summary: The court upheld Tony Mokbel's drug trafficking conviction but re-sentenced him to time served, recognizing his unique circumstances despite the serious nature of his crimes.

The Standard | Warrnambool, VIC — 2025-11-06